The top 10 best Zoe Saldana movies
When it comes to versatile and talented actors, Zoe Saldana is a name that stands out. With her fierce on-screen presence and impressive range, Saldana has quickly become one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood. From her breakout role in Center Stage to her iconic performances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Saldana has proven time and time again that she is a force to be reckoned with.
Saldana’s career began in the late 1990s when she landed small roles in television shows like Law & Order and The Sopranos. However, it wasn’t until she won the lead role in the ballet drama Center Stage that she gained widespread recognition. Since then, Saldana has become a staple in Hollywood movies and has gone on to star in some of the biggest sci-fi movies of the modern era.
In this article, we will be taking a closer look at Zoe Saldana’s impressive career and highlighting her 10 best movies and best performances.
From her early roles in independent films to her more recent blockbuster hits, we will explore the depth and range of Saldana’s talent and discover why she is such a beloved and respected actress.
The best Zoe Saldana performances
Center Stage (2000)
Saldana’s breakout role came in the form of Center Stage, a drama that follows a group of young dancers as they try to make it in the competitive world of ballet. Saldana plays Eva, a sassy and confident dancer who becomes a mentor to the main character, Jody. Saldana’s performance in the movie is nothing short of incredible, and she brings a level of authenticity and depth to the character that makes her really stand out and set her career on a rapid trajectory upwards.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
In Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Saldana plays Anamaria, a fierce pirate who teams up with Jack Sparrow to track down the Black Pearl. Although her role is relatively small, Saldana makes a big impact with her strong and confident portrayal of the character.
Avatar (2009)
Avatar is one of the most celebrated movies of our time, and Saldana’s performance in the film is nothing short of excellent. She plays Neytiri, a member of the Na’vi tribe who becomes the love interest of the main character, Jake Sully. Saldana’s performance is incredibly physical and demanding but with she also manages to bring a level of emotion and depth to the character that is truly impressive.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
In Guardians of the Galaxy, Saldana plays Gamora, a skilled warrior who teams up with a group of misfits to save the galaxy from destruction. She quickly becomes one of the best parts of this film, a truly important piece in the MCU puzzle.
Star Trek (2009)
Saldana plays Uhura in the Star Trek reboot by JJ Abrams, a role that was originally played by Nichelle Nichols in the original series. Saldana brings a fresh and modern take to the character in a film that would breath new life into the Star Trek movie franchise – and set it off in a very positive direction for many more years to come.
Columbiana (2011)
Columbiana is a revenge thriller that follows a young woman who becomes a skilled assassin in order to avenge the death of her parents. Saldana plays the lead role of Cataleya.
Infinitely Polar Bear (2014)
Infinitely Polar Bear is a drama that follows a family as they navigate the challenges of living with a bipolar father. Saldana plays the wife of the main character opposite co-star Mark Ruffalo. As you might expect from the theme, this is a film that requires a sensitive and nuanced performance that Saldana delivers.
The Losers (2010)
The Losers is an action-comedy that follows a team of elite special forces soldiers who are framed for a crime they didn’t commit. Saldana plays Aisha, a mysterious woman who offers to help the team clear their names. Perhaps not the best known of her movies, but certainly one worth tracking down to watch.
Out of the Furnace (2013)
Out of the Furnace is a gritty drama that follows a man as he tries to save his younger brother from a life of crime. Saldana plays the love interest of the main character opposite co-star Christian Bale. Another quite different performance from some of the big sci-fi movies in which she’d starred.
The Book of Life (2014)
The Book of Life is an animated adventure that follows a young man as he embarks on a journey through the afterlife. Saldana plays the voice of Maria in this excellent adventure.
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